CBD 101: What You Need to Know

CBD 101: What You Need to Know

We now know that CBD, one of two primary chemicals found in the cannabis plant, is a key player in its “entourage effect” and the real-deal in therapeutic medicine. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has been shown to alleviate pain, fight bacteria, slow the growth of some cancers, and more. For many patients, the best news is that unlike its sidekick THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties and will not get you “high.” Here is CBD 101: what you need to know about this important medicine.

The Entourage Effect

In 1999, Israeli researcher, Raphael Mechoulam coined the phrase, “Entourage Effect.” This phrase refers to his belief that cannabis compounds provide the most therapeutic relief when they work together. Studies have since proven him right. We now know that while THC binds to brain receptors and gives patients a psychoactive side effect, CBD binds to body receptors and in large enough quantities, effectively counteracts this effect.

Other Benefits of Taking CBD

There are many other benefits to taking CBD.

A 2013 review in the British Journal of Pharmacology reported that CBD has the ability to quell nausea, stimulate appetite, reduce inflammation and free radicals, and relieve pain. It’s also been shown to alleviate anxiety in patients who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and reduce depression, especially in patients struggling with a serious medical condition.

Of life-saving importance to many epileptic patients and their families, CBD has been proven to reduce or eliminate seizures in pediatric epileptic patients and has been particularly effective in treating children who suffer from Dravet Syndrome. (If you’d like to learn more, visit CNN.com and learn how high-CBD medical cannabis saved the life of one child suffering from the disease.)

And finally, The National Cancer Institute reviewed studies that showed CBD slows the growth of some cancers, and may protect against the development of some cancers.

Talk about a chemical with wide-ranging medical potential!

How to Take CBD

There are many balanced CBD:THC products available to patients including tinctures, oils, sublingual sprays, capsules, and balms. For quick relief, many patients choose to vaporize the concentrated oil.

Talk with a Healthcare Professional

Will a balanced CBD:THC medical cannabis product work for you or your loved one? Even though medical cannabis has been shown to be safe and therapeutic, our best advice is to talk with your healthcare professional before taking any new medicine. This is especially important if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Have Questions?

If you have a question about CBD and how it improves the medical efficacy of THC, feel free to ask it below or come into a Wellness Connection dispensary. We have four locations: Bath, Brewer, Gardiner, and Portland, Maine. As always, we’re here for you!

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